Establishing Equity In Online Learning Spaces: Strategies And Practices
It is important to recognize that online learning can be effective in advancing student equity by providing students with instructional opportunities that weren’t previously available to them. The lack of qualified teachers in many schools (especially those in high-poverty areas) makes it difficult for students to learn computer science, take advanced placement classes, or pursue other opportunities that can give them a well-paying career. In this case, online learning can be a great tool to help level the playing field for these students. For a detailed understanding of this issue, read this article highlighting major equity gaps in online learning and how to overcome them.
Understanding Equity Gaps In Online Learning
Here are five major equity gaps in online learning you should know:
One of the biggest issues in online learning is a stable internet connection. Many people who live in rural areas or somewhere remote don’t have good internet facilities. Even if they have, the speed and overall bandwidth are very low, making it difficult for students to take online classes or enroll in a degree program.
Online classes require a stronger and more stable internet connection, which is very expensive for underprivileged students using laptops, desktops, or tablets. Moreover, these devices are not cheap, and low-income students may have difficulty affording them. For online learning to be successful, you must have a reliable internet connection, in addition to a laptop or mobile device.
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Interaction With Fellow Students Or Instructors
The pandemic provided an opportunity for online learning to expand knowledge. Students who study online face some drawbacks, including isolation and lack of interaction.
Isolation may be beneficial for some students but may be difficult for others. On the other hand, a traditional class provides a lot of opportunities for students to interact with their peers and instructors on a social level. Through interaction, students and instructors develop bonds, which is one characteristic that makes students feel supported.
Even though online learning can be a fun and convenient experience for students, it also causes many distractions, hindering students’ progress. Instead of concentrating on the class, students might start searching Google and YouTube to watch entertaining content, or some issues might occur in the household that can result in distractions. In these situations, on-campus learning looks most suitable. However, there is a way around these issues which we will discuss in the next section.
Students with disabilities may encounter barriers in accessing online learning platforms. Without proper accessibility support, they might not be able to fully participate in online education programs. For example, images or videos should have audio to help students with visual impairments, while captions and subtitles of what is being said by the instructor can help those with hearing impairments.
Language is another problem that many students might face during online learning. Students who are not fluent in the language of instruction may struggle to understand course materials, participate in discussions, or communicate effectively with instructors and peers. This language barrier can lead to feelings of isolation and hinder their academic progress.
How To Tackle Online Learning Challenges
Here are some ways to tackle online learning challenges:
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Providing The Right Technology
Online learning is most effective if students are provided with the technology tools necessary to support it, regardless of whether they are enrolled in school or studying from home. Several digital devices (smartphones, computers, laptops, etc.) and a high-speed Internet connection are required.
For students to follow instructions effectively, they need devices that allow them to interact with the screen and keyboard. A large number of low-income or remote households, especially students living in rural areas, lack high-speed internet access, which contributed to learning gaps during the pandemic when remote education was implemented.
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Uninterrupted Learning Time And Space
Furthermore, online learning gaps have grown in low-income households because students need a private space or room to listen to lectures. Sometimes they had to share a computer or laptop with their sibling or there was background noise in the kitchen, TV, making food, etc., which would cause many distractions. Some may only have access to computer systems at community centers.
In an effort to minimize distractions for students, school systems can schedule online courses during school hours as well as after school hours. If this is not possible, asynchronous classes (that do not meet at a particular time) would provide students with the flexibility to log in and complete assignments at their convenience, enabling them to work as much as possible around distractions.
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Accessible Learning Content
Students who are pursuing online degree programs should be provided with the required learning materials, accessible to their device type and their learning requirements. For instance, some content is not easy to view on mobile devices as it is specifically made for desktop PCs and laptops. The instructors will need to take this into account and make their content accessible for every device.
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Plan A Routine And Schedule
It is easier to stay disciplined if students have a routine and schedule. The students have to manage their routine tasks and times if they have busy schedules throughout the day. They need to find time to exercise and relax. Time management can be achieved by multitasking.
Students should create a list of things they need to accomplish by the deadline and set daily reminders. Furthermore, avoiding distractions from social media, internet browsing, online games, etc., would allow students to focus more on their classes. Peers and instructors can help students establish a proper timetable to follow for their classes if they ask for help in this matter.
Ensuring Equitable Learning Opportunities For Students With Disabilities
As mentioned previously, students with disabilities may experience accessibility issues in online classes. Due to the adaptability and inclusivity of online learning, the course creator or institution should accommodate these individuals by providing opportunities for pursuing online degree programs with flexibility. Below are a few suggestions on how instructors can make their online courses more accessible to all students:
- Students with hearing impairments should be able to access your audio and video content with captions.
- Text and image descriptions should be provided in the voice-over.
- Make certain exercises available with alternative learning options, such as keyboard shortcuts.
- For some students, AI-powered personal assistants can be useful.
- Make extra office hours available to those who require additional assistance.
- Have the content available in multiple languages to overcome language barriers.
- Extend the assignment period.
Conclusion
There you go. This overview of equity challenges in online learning offered tips on how to overcome them. As an instructor or in charge of management of a school offering online study courses, it is your responsibility to address these challenges and give necessary support to the students in need.
